1) The rocker panels (outer sills) are a bit complicated so that the side exhaust pipes can tuck under there. The perforated stainless steel heat shield, when installed over the side pipes, is pretty much flush with the bodywork.
2, 3) Test fitting the left inner fender panel. The big cut-out at the bottom is for the exhaust header. The louvers were individually made in form blocks and then welded into the panel. To get some mileage out of the form blocks, I used them to make the louvers for the rear quarter panels and trunk lid also. Since the bottom of the car will be almost completely closed off with panels, a lot of hot engine air will blow back through the trans tunnel into the trunk area so lots of louvers are needed back there.
I think I saw the end result before ever discovering the thread. I do have to say that the mid eighties Quattroporte is a car that is hard to lust after and therefore a tolerable donor for something lovlier to look at and closer to the idea of exotic motorsport. I am amazed at the sophistication or perhaps the complexity of the space frame. I am surprised that the bodyshell had to evolve from the sleek and true to original shape into something closer to a slab sided and purposeful CanAm era McLaren, but then it has a mission only its creator can visualize. A very brave effort, sir.
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